Must Read before Applying to a Mission

All positions with GBF require minimum fluency in medical and conversational English. Active membership to GBF is required to participate in any mission. These fees cover the costs associated with maintaining the association as well as the planning and organization of missions.

GBF Humanitarian Mission Positions

Acupuncturist: Licensed acupuncturists trained in Si Yuan Balance Method can join GBF missions to provide acupuncture treatments to patients. This position offers the opportunity to observe and share with an experienced team of Balance Method practitioners.
On certain missions, there will be the opportunity for clinical supervision under Si Yuan Balance Method instructors, who can provide advice and corrections on patient treatments. These supervised acupuncture positions count towards internship hours and Si Yuan Balance Method certification.
Requirements:
– Minimum First Level Si Yuan Certification required (validated or in process of validation)
– Valid professional insurance
– Valid acupuncture license

Mission Assistant: Volunteers with no acupuncture training are able to participate in GBF missions as operation assistants. Tasks may vary according to the needs of each mission. Requirements may vary according to each mission.

What to Expect…

Si Yuan missions are an opportunity to meet new people and discover another culture while developing new clinical skills. These are overall enriching experiences but a mission in a developing country is not without its challenges. Volunteers should be prepared for difficult working conditions: extreme heat, transportation on unpaved roads, work sites with limited sanitation, etc. It is recommended that volunteers have previous experience working in resource-limited settings.
GBF takes care of planning and reserving transportation, accommodation and meals throughout the mission. Excursions to learn about the host country’s history, geography and culture are included as an integral part of missions in order to better understand cultural differences, necessary to adapt treatment options for patients.
Fees to participate in a GBF mission vary depending on the mission and position being applied for.

Costs (paid to GBF)

– Application fee: €50 non-refundable (to cover administrative costs of studying and sorting applications)
– Local accommodation, transportation and meals as well as local translators and fixers (To cover local expenses, depending on each mission. This sum is to be paid in cash on site.)
– Global Balance Foundation active membership valid for one year (in order to receive GBF insurance) : €45
– Clinical Supervision or Observation Fee (only applicable to missions with Si Yuan instructors) : sliding scale as a donation to support GBF’s work

Individual Costs (organized by each volunteer)

What are GBF fees used for?
– Operation costs of running an international NGO
– Communication and outreach
– Scholarships for acupuncturists
– Educational materials for local health centres
– Developing new projects